The Girls

Gehenu Lamai

A young girl finds herself torn between duty and desire in this stunning Sri Lankan coming-of-age drama.

Copyright: FILM HERITAGE FOUNDATION

  • Director

    Sumitra Peries

  • With

    Vasanthi Chathurani, Ajith Jinadasa

  • Sri Lanka 1978. 110min

  • Digital 4K

  • Certificate

    TBC

  • Sinhala with English subtitles

  • A BFI re-release

Sumitra Peries’ groundbreaking Sri Lankan film offers a tender and transporting journey through young dreams and first loves. Kusum, a poor but studious village girl who cleans the house of a wealthy family, sparks a connection with Nimal, the family’s prized son. Soma, Kusum’s younger sister, pursues beauty pageants and dreams of acting, believing it’s her best chance of a better life. What unfolds is a lyrical and poignant coming of age story, brimming with yearning and feminine sensibility. Sumitra Peries, known as ‘the poetess of Sri Lankan cinema’, became the country’s first female director with this astonishing debut. She draws out natural, affecting performances from her cast, particularly Vasanthi Chathurani, who was still at school when she played Kusum – the role that launched a long screen career. The Girls was crowned the Outstanding Film of the Year at the 1978 London Film Festival. Beautifully restored in digital 4K, it feels just as fresh, illuminating and moving today.

Kimberley Sheehan, Lead Programmer

Restored in 4K in 2025 by Film Heritage Foundation in association with Lester James Peries and Sumitra Peries Foundation at L’immagine Ritrovata laboratory.

See our The Girls Member Salon.